COLE GOAL

CARLTON COLE has revealed he will go into overtime in his efforts to be a success at Celtic.

The former England international striker is determined to make up for lost time after agreeing an 18-month deal with the Hoops.

Cole, who was released by West Ham in the summer, agreed to play the first-half of the recent bounce game against Livingston at Lennoxtown.

But the 32-year-old asked to play at least another 15 minutes of the second-half which the Hoops won 4-1 although the new Bhoy failed to score.

He told this week’s Celtic View: “I needed that game because it has been so long since I’ve played.

“Just being out there among the lads was great. When it’s a start you’ve just got to take what you can. I worked hard, tried to influence it as much as I could, and that’ll come with more match-sharpness.

“I was supposed to only play 45 minutes, but, being the person I am, if I feel like I can do a bit more, I’ll do it.

“I asked the manager if I could do an extra 15, but I’ve got to control that to make sure I don’t get injured again. It’s a fine line.”

Cole, who won seven caps for his country after starting his career at Chelsea, added: “I can use my experience to help those young guys and try to implement that into my game when I’m playing for Celtic.

“It’s a different responsibility for me. Now I know that I’ve actually grown up because I’m the one who can impart advice.

“Thankfully, I’m the type of guy who can walk into any changing room and just get along with people.

“That’s because I don’t want to let those players down, so I’ve got to work my hardest then all the glory and the glamour can come after that.

“As long as the dressing room’s tight and we’re winning games, that’s all that matters.”